Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Governor McAuliffe today announced amendments to Virginia’s restoration of rights policy, which increased transparency in the process and will enable more Virginians to have their rights restored sooner. The announcement of the amended policy, as well as the announcement that Governor McAuliffe has already restored the rights of 800 Virginians in less than 100 days in office, received praise from leaders across the Commonwealth.

Senator Henry Marsh, Richmond:

“Governor McAuliffe’s changes to the restoration of rights policy is the right thing to do. With these changes, more Virginians will be able to participate in the civic process and vote more easily, and Virginians will more easily be able to understand the restoration of rights process. I look forward to the continued improvements Governor McAuliffe will make on restoring more voting rights to Virginians who have paid their debts to society. This is a great step forward.”

“I commend Governor McAuliffe for his work ensuring that the restoration of rights process continues to become more transparent and efficient. A person who has served their time and paid their debt to society should have their civil rights restored."

“The changes Governor McAuliffe has made in the restoration of rights process were much needed and are commendable actions by our governor. Virginia is stronger when it is more open and transparent, and this announcement is another step in the right direction. I look forward to seeing additional progress the Governor and his team will make in the restoration of rights process, and ensuring more of our citizens who have done their time and paid their debt to society can re-enter into the civic process.”

“Governor McAuliffe continues to do the right thing by safeguarding the civil rights of Virginians’ through the changes made to the restoration of rights policy. This enables individuals that have repaid their debts to return to society and become contributing members once again. This administration has demonstrated the importance of being transparent and responsive in everything that can be done for its citizens.”

Mayor Dwight Jones, Richmond:

“Virginians who do their time and have paid their debt to society should absolutely be able to return to the civic process and vote. I applaud Governor McAuliffe for the progress his administration has made in restoring rights so far, and commend him on making significant changes to the process in which Virginians can have their right to vote and contribute to society restored. The increased transparency and streamlined process for more non-violent offenders shows that Virginia is removing barriers to those who seek to be contributing members to our communities."